Columbus has 1000 employees on its rolls in 21 countries with its operations extending to food, retail and manufacturing sectors.

Meanwhile, Lakshmaiah said a high-level committee has been constituted by the state government to suggest ways and means to accelerate development of Information Technology sector in Andhra.

"We are currently ranked No 4 in the country in IT and we want to become No 1 state soon," the Minister said.

The committee comprises state Chief Secretary, Secretary (Information Technology), Secretary (Industries) and representatives of software giants like Wipro, Infosys and TCS. The committee would submit its report in two months after which the government would initiate necessary steps to step up IT growth in the state, Lakshmaiah added.